Friday, 28 December 2012

Yoram Eliyahu: Early Life

Yoram
Eliyahu’s early life helpedhim become the man he is today. He was born in the small town of
Kirat-Shmona, in the mountains of northern Israel. Yoram’s father was a
construction worker who taught him the value of a strong work ethic. As one of
five siblings, Yoram enjoyed childhood in a big family that worked hard and
loved each other. Today he is pleased to carry on the meaningful traditions he
grew up with.

Growing
up in this small town gave him a special sense of community. Not long ago, he
learned that Kirat-Shmona’s synagogue had been badly damaged by missile fire
during Israel’s 2006 conflict with Lebanon. As a successful real estate
investor, Yoram was in a unique position to help. Though he was living in the
U.S., he immediately sent funds to his hometown to help rebuild the synagogue.
He also commissioned the creation of a new Sefer Torah, a handwritten copy of
the sacred scriptures. Once the Sefer Torah was completed, he took greats pains
to ensure that it was delivered safely to its new home. The Sefer Torah is a
source of pride in the community and is still in use today.

When he was 14, Yoram’s parents sent him to
Bezek
High School. At this boarding school he had the opportunity to benefit from the
curriculum’s focus on electronics and communication. After graduation, he
attained a two-year degree in in sub-engineering. Next it was time for him to
serve his mandatory three-year term in the Israeli military. It was here that
he first encountered Chabad. As a solider far from home during the holidays,
his spirits were liftedby the organization, which helps soldiers celebrate traditional
Jewish holidays. Meals with the organization’s members were a special time. YoramEliyahu and his fellow soldiers enjoyed the celebrations
and rituals the organization hosted.

Big Move

After
his military service, Yoram Eliyahu moved to the
United States. He carried with him all the lessons he learned at home. He sought
out a local Chabad and continues to enjoy being part of the community he found
there. After a few entry-level jobs, Yoram began work with a real estate
company. He began with a sales position and then worked his way up to become a
successful independent commercial real estate developer. Yoram manages property
in Florida, New York, and Israel, striving in all places to enhance communities.